as in rattle
the loud sound made when metal strikes metal
the car is making a funny clank, and this can't be good
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clank
Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
In the big, anonymous hotel, the air-conditioning kicked on with a startling clank.
—Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Denver fails to strike first as Wil Lutz clanks the right upright on the 44-yard try.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clank
Noun
The tables were empty and the bar deserted, the only sign of life the clank and swish of dishes being washed in the back, through the swinging double doors.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
In the big, anonymous hotel, the air-conditioning kicked on with a startling clank.
—Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
Kicker Eddy Piñeiro missed his first field goal with the 49ers when a 64-yard attempt clanked off the crossbar as the first half expired.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Denver fails to strike first as Wil Lutz clanks the right upright on the 44-yard try.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clank
Noun
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Rattlesnakes can be recognized by the distinct sound their rattles make.—
Brianna Taylor,
Sacbee.com,
12 Mar. 2026
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The sound of children playing has given way to the rattle of helium balloons clinging to the memorial for 11-year-old QueenEr’Re Reed.—
Cameron Knight,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Paveletzke drove straight down the middle of the court for a would-be game-winner … but Suder, who struggled offensively most of the night, met him at the rim and went straight up defensively, forcing Paveletzke’s running layup to clink off the front rim.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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As the night progressed, cocktail glasses continued to clink while a tasty île flottante dessert made its way to each table.—
Avon Dorsey,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In front of us was the end of the line where the tram would come to a stop with its own special lively clang.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
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In a video that has since gone viral, Strelow's teammates are seen clapping when a clang can be heard.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Sticks clacked in quick succession as passes moved up the ice.—
Panashe Matemba-Mutasa,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
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In between the clacking tiles and competitive banter, the game allows for conversation and relaxation.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Taken together, the clashes in Virginia, New Jersey, Utah, Wisconsin, and other states point to a deeper institutional standoff.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Mar. 2026
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Shifting opinions While the 2024 war saw relative unity in Lebanon behind Hezbollah’s clashes with the IDF – feelings driven by anger at the war in Gaza – this latest conflict has seen emboldened opposition to the armed group.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In Manhattan, Henry hoofed through the city’s streets and into its clattering manufacturers’ workshops day after day, trying to drum up interest in her interchangeable umbrella.—
Shoshi Parks,
Popular Science,
19 Mar. 2026
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When the controversy happened, Kelly was already on a yellow card, having been cautioned earlier in the game for clattering into Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Grace’s victory has prompted a new contest for the high seat of the council, which comes with a nifty sigil ring and the ability to, for all intents and purposes, rule the world.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
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The symbolism in their designs has expanded beyond the horoscope and include Ayatul Kursi (The Throne Verse from the Quran), a Virgin Mary ring, pomegranate motifs for prosperity, Hamsa hands for protection, the evil eye to ward off negativity, and the elephant as a symbol of good fortune.—
Milena Lazazzera,
CNN Money,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Moments after Bitadze and Doncic chirped at each other while the Slovenian star shot a pair of free throws, both players were assessed technical fouls.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
22 Mar. 2026
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But then, from the safe house, the radio chirped.—
Jack Crosbie,
Rolling Stone,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clank. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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